I used my own personal device at work, and when I recently left my employer I discovered all of my contacts were wiped clean remotely. If I’m using my own device, shouldn’t I be able to keep the contacts I’ve created?

You should be able to keep your personal items on your personal device for sure — but company information is owned by the company, regardless of where the data sits. If the data is gone, I’m not sure what recourse you have. Perhaps the company transfers the data before deleting it, and it’s still sitting on their servers somewhere. The lesson here, folks, is to remember that company information and data belongs to the company — not you — and the company has the right, and even the obligation, to secure its data. If you’re planning to resign, make sure to secure your personal data — and if you lose your job unexpectedly, add it to the list of priorities to consider.

I started a new job six months ago, and it hasn’t gone so well. Recently my manager gave me a “final warning” — which I assume means that if things don’t improve I will likely lose my job. It seems premature to me. I’ve barely been given a chance to learn and improve. What’s your advice?

Start looking for another job. Work relationships that get to a “final warning” stage rarely recover to, “Congratulations on your promotion — hey, remember that time you were on final warning?” For whatever reason, it has gone south in hurry. Consider speaking to your boss and having a direct conversation about the chances for recovery and how much time you have — and if it seems as bleak as it sounds, is there a way for a mutual, professional and amicable parting of ways that doesn’t hurt your employment record? You’d be surprised at how receptive most employers are to that kind of conversation. Be sure to consider what the severance package would be, if any, given your short tenure . . . and maybe the company would consider a little more notice period in exchange. If it’s going to end, try and negotiate a professional exit.